Overexpression of the superoxide anion and NADPH oxidase isoforms 1 and 4 (NOX1 and NOX4) in allergic nasal mucosa.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression and distribution of superoxide anion, NADPH oxidase (NOX)1, and NOX4 in healthy, allergic nasal mucosa and nasal polyps to evaluate the possible influence of oxidative stress on the development of allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps.

METHODS

The expression and distribution of superoxide anion, NOX1 and NOX4 were evaluated in healthy and allergic nasal mucosa and nasal polyps, using dihydroethidium fluorescence, semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot.

RESULTS

NOX1 and NOX4 were localized mainly in the epithelial layer, submucosal glands, vascular endothelium, and inflammatory cells in healthy and allergic nasal mucosa and nasal polyps. The cellular source that generated superoxide anion is also localized in the epithelial cells, submucosal glands, vascular endothelium, and inflammatory cells, demonstrating the similar sites of expression of NOX1 and NOX4 in healthy and allergic nasal mucosa and nasal polyps. NOX1 and NOX4 mRNA and proteins and superoxide anions had increased levels of expression in allergic nasal mucosa and nasal polyps compared with healthy nasal mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that NOX1 and NOX4 may play an important role in reactive oxygen species production, contributing to the oxidative stress in allergic rhinitis and nasal polyp tissues.